Portobello Blog

In a world where sports and technology are becoming inseparable, earning a master's degree in Sports Performance Analysis could be a game-changer.

It offers an immersive understanding of the scientific principles underlying athletic performance, the expertise to harness cutting-edge technologies, and the skills to turn data into actionable strategies. 

By diving into this progressive field, you'll not only contribute to the world of sports but also find yourself in an industry that's ripe with opportunities. Whether it's working with professional sports teams, contributing to technological advancements, or shaping future sports policies, the options are as exciting as they are diverse. 

Stay ahead of the curve, learn from industry experts, and immerse yourself in practical projects with a master's degree in Sports Performance Analysis. Be a part of this exciting future and redefine the boundaries of sports performance.

Michael Blanchard is a graduate of the MSc in Sports Performance Analysis at Portobello Institute who has progressed to studying for his Ph.D at Leeds Beckett University in the UK.From a young age, sport was a major passion in Michael’s life.

“I started to play baseball first. I transitioned to Olympic weightlifting, MMA also. I’ve always been involved in sports. That’s how I started in this business. I was doing MMA for over six years. Realised I wasn’t going to make it as a pro. Not even sure if I wanted to either.

“I decided I was going to train them instead,” he said.

Upon completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa, Michael then made the trip across the border to the United States, moving to California to work with the Delta’s in the North American Soccer League.

After a stint in the US, it was back to the homeland for Michael trading Ottawa for Toronto, as he followed his passion and began to work with players from the National Hockey League with teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers and Nashville Predators.

“From there I moved to Toronto and worked with NHL players. P. K. Subban, Mark Friedman, and some others,” he said.

More recently, Michael has been living and working in Edmonton, working primarily with the Edmonton Elks, a professional football team playing in the Canadian Football League.

Joe Walsh has been working as a rugby coach and performance analyst since 2015. Using self-taught analysis techniques so far in his career, he decided it was time to add an MSc in Sports Performance Analysis to his qualifications with Portobello Institute.

Currently wearing three hats as an SCT (1st XV) Head Coach at The Kings Hospital School, MU Barnhall U20s Assistant Head Coach & Lead Forwards Coach and Head of Performance Analysis at Rugby Academy Ireland, Joe is balancing his workload and study with the flexible blended learning delivery at Portobello Institute.

“The content is incredibly relevant to the industry in my opinion based on my experience to date. The workload has been really manageable and lectures have been incredibly helpful in providing feedback and guidance on their completion and how to achieve the best marks. 

“The real-world experience of the lecturers makes the information particularly relevant as they can back this up with examples of how they have carried out successfully or unsuccessfully themselves in the past. You do feel like you are in safe hands with the lecturers but also that you can connect with them on an interpersonal level as well as simply receive information from them," he said. 

If you are interested in learning more, read our article to discover sports performance analysis in your sports science career.

Portobello Institute offers a BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science to begin your career in sports science and an MSc in Sports Performance Analysis to accelerate your career to the next level. 

If you are interested in any of our sports courses or have any questions you can book a consultation call with our expert sports advisor Jason Lester, email jason.lester@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0029.